10 Ways to Beat the Sunday Night Blues

Sunday night can often be the pits. It’s when the reality of the week ahead sets in and the fun of the weekend disappears. If you are looking to keep your Sunday night angst at bay, here are a few ways to enjoy every last second of your weekend and leave the worry to Monday morning. (See also: 15 Ways to Have a Frugal Friday)

1. Treat Yourself to Something Delicious

Save one indulgent item for yourself on Sunday nights, so you’ll feel less bummed that the weekend is over. Whether it be a delicious dessert, a decadent hot chocolate, or perhaps a really good nightcap, knowing you’ll have a little something special to look forward to can make this night a lot better.

2. Plan a Sunday Night Event

Before I had kids and when I lived in the city, I often sprang for an economical dinner out with my friends on Sunday nights. Now that I am older with kids, an early Sunday evening, informal dinner at a friend’s house or a quick barbecue with the neighbors can extend the fun of the weekend if you feel like being social. (See also: One Pot Roast, A Week of Cheap and Delicious Lunches)

3. Designate Time For You

On the flip side to socializing, quiet time alone can also be a fantastic end to the weekend. Consider making Sunday night your time to watch your favorite show or movie, read another chapter of a book, or indulge in a magazine obsession (US Weekly anyone?).

4. Make Sunday Night Your Bath Time Ritual

Transform an ordinary Sunday night into a luxurious experience with a fabulous bubble bath. Looking forward to a weekly soak in the tub can get you relaxed for your week ahead and make Sunday night a serious chance to unwind.

5. Tackle Chores Earlier

Sunday night can often be the catchall for the things you’ve been putting off doing all weekend. Whether it be finishing up something for work or doing loads of laundry for the kids’ week at school, try checking at least a few items off your list earlier in the weekend, so as not to feel overwhelmed come Sunday evening.

6. Meditate

Give meditation a chance, especially if you’re not that familiar with it. It can certainly help you from obsessing about all the things coming up this week if you find your stress level rising on Sunday nights. To learn more about meditation, check out Zen Habits. Once you get the hang of it, the benefits can be tremendous.

7. Have Fun With Hobbies

Make your Sunday nights the time to partake in your favorite hobbies. Crafts, writing, music, or dare I say, video games, can allow you to get lost in the flow, and take your mind off of things. Or, if it’s not too late, head outside for a little bit with a friend or the kids to shoot hoops or play catch. (See also: 7 Free Ways to Get Out of the House)

8. Aim to Go to Sleep Early

Don’t allow yourself to fall into the trap of turning in too late on Sunday nights. This is not the night to jam in another task or waste precious sleep time watching one last show — that is, unless it’s football season and the Sunday night game is good or celebrity award season is in full swing. (See also: 5 Effective Sleep Tips You Haven't Tried Yet)

9. Organize Your Week

Contrary to escaping the reality of Sunday night, for those Type A’s like me, sitting down to organize the week ahead may actually make you feel more in control. Just make sure not to dwell on all the details, but rather stick to general things, like planning schedules, to help make you feel more prepared.

10. Don’t End Vacations on Sundays

While this may not be a choice for everyone, if you can swing it, coming home on Monday vs. Sunday will certainly kick your usual Sunday night blues. Flights and travel are often cheaper and easier on Mondays, and it will leave you with the chance to celebrate for at least one Sunday night.

While Sunday night is an inevitable part of the week, it doesn’t have to be a total bummer. Taking steps to head off the Sunday blues can make life easier and more fun. And if all else fails, Friday is only five more days away.

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I love a long soak in the tub on Sunday nights. I sometimes do it as early at 5 or 6, and then just laze out the rest of the evening, a bit like an old lady, happy in my pj's at sunset. It's the only night I can usually do something like this, provided I've done my laundry earlier. It's a restorative break between the social activities of the weekend and the work activities of the week.